Leslie Odom Jr. wants us to hear the melodic words of ‘Purlie Victorious’

Leslie Odom Jr. returns to Broadway to star in "Purlie Victorious," a moving yet satirical play set in the Jim Crow era, written by legend Ossie Davis.

“Purlie Victorious” may not be a musical, but to its lead star, Leslie Odom Jr., the words of this six-decade-old play are melodic. 

Odom, best known on Broadway for his Tony-winning performance as Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” said the musicality of “Purlie Victorious: A Romp Through the Non-Confederate Cotton Patch” is something he and his fellow actors continue to uncover every night at New York City’s Music Box Theater. 

“There is music here,” Odom, 42, said in a phone interview. “It’s a great joy when it feels like we’ve hit our stride and we’re really playing the same song.” 

When the show first opened on Broadway in 1961, it starred Ossie Davis, who also penned the text, and his wife, the acting legend Ruby Dee. The revival starring Odom is the first time the show returns to a New York stage since its debut. 

Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young in "Purlie Victorious."Marc J. FranklinDespite the time that has passed between Odom’s first encountering the play as a high school actor and now acting and producing it on Broadway, the text continues to surprise him with its nuances.